The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2021 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton. The amount remains the same as in 2020. The fee supports the foundation’s efforts to monitor cotton acreage in North Carolina for any re-introduction of the boll weevil and to respond promptly with eradication treatments if necessary.
Press Releases
Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler honored longtime N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employee Bill Yarborough by naming the Dupont State Recreational Forest Little River Access Bridge in his honor. Yarborough recently retired after 35 years of service in Western North Carolina.
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WHO/WHAT:Commissioner Steve Troxler will deliver his annual update on the state of agriculture in North Carolina. Due to the pandemic, this year’s address will be virtual. In addition to hearing from Commissioner Troxler, Dr. Blake Brown, N.C. State University economist, will provide an agricultural economic outlook and there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
NCDA&CS programs announce $1 million for research and development related to bioenergy and new crops
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program recently awarded $1 million in grants for 14 projects aimed at boosting bioenergy opportunities and crop production in the state.The Bioenergy Research Initiative began in 2013, with the allocation of funds by the North Carolina General Assembly. The initiative’s grants of $500,000 support the development of energy production from North Carolina agricultural and forest-based products.
Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog and social media sites. Please feel free to use any of this content or contact us if you have any additional questions.
Successful production of tobacco transplants starts with good water quality and with getting the right nutrient levels in the float solution. Growers preparing for transplant production should begin by having their source water tested by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Winter storm brings ice, freezing rain, potential for damaged and downed trees across North Carolina
Ice and freezing rain can be common weather events during the winter months. These types of weather events can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state. The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and think safety first.
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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services honored Robert “Rob” Montague of Granville County as its 2020 Employee of the Year. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award during a virtual online meeting last week.Montague, an area ranger with the N.C. Forest Service, was honored for going above and beyond in his daily work, for personally responding to many of the emergency calls in his area and for being a valued resource in the local community. His commitment and service to the community also earned him the November Employee of the Month Award.